Symptoms of Adult ADHD
Are you consistently late for social events, work and meetings? Are you easily distracted or skip tasks at home? If you answered yes to these questions, you could have undiagnosed adult ADHD.
There are two types of ADHD: inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive. Inattentive ADHD is characterised by a lack of organization and forgetfulness.
1. Disorganization
Someone with ADD may struggle to keep work and school materials organized and manage time, complete tasks or meet deadlines. They also may be unable to locate or lose items needed for daily activities (e.g. books, tools, keys and wallets, eyeglasses, eyeglasses or mobile phones). If a patient experiences these symptoms frequently, their doctor can assess the patient for ADD. The doctor may request specific information from the patient and other family members to make a diagnosis.
2. Hyperactivity
People with ADD often have difficulty staying seated or paying attention at work or at school. They may also be unable to keep track of their appointments and schedule. They often lose or misplace items, like their wallet, documents or eyeglasses. Their workplaces and homes may be messy or disorganized, and they are unable to complete tasks requiring sustained mental effort. They also have poor working memory and are easily distracted by external stimuli. These are the characteristics of what was previously known as ADD or Predominantly Inattentive Type ADHD.
Children with hyperactive ADHD seem to be "driven by motor" and are always on the go. They are unable to sit still, especially in class settings centered around neurotypical expectations. They will often climb or run around even if it's not appropriate. They rush to answer questions before they've finished. They also have difficulty waiting for their turn and often interrupt or intrude. These symptoms may lessen in adolescence or adulthood, but they will still be present.
The symptoms of ADD are often difficult to spot in adults, since they are less obvious than the symptoms seen in children. Family physicians are in a unique position to identify ADD and start treatment. They can also refer patients to mental health professionals if necessary. In many cases family physicians are the first to notice a patient's difficulty focusing on schoolwork, or at business meetings, and their inability to stay organized. Family physicians can confirm an ADD diagnosis and create an effective treatment plan using routine interviewing techniques. Here are some of the most common signs of adult ADD.
3. Inattention
Attention-deficit ADHD symptoms present as difficulty with concentration and focus and can cause problems at school or at work. They can manifest as piles of unfinished assignments or work projects, messy desks and homes, or failing to return calls or pay bills in time. People who aren't attentive ADHD are also prone to losing things essential to their daily lives like keys and wallets. They may have difficulty listening to others and lose the essence of conversations. They may also be bored by meetings and presentations. They might be distracted while listening, daydreaming about their interests or replaying social media content in their minds.
Unlike hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, the inattentive type of ADD is more common in adults. Many family physicians do not recognize ADHD in their patients or because they aren't familiar with the disorder in adults or because comorbid issues obscure its presence. A trained doctor can diagnose ADHD by asking specific questions regarding symptoms and the history of the patient.
The criteria for a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD include having several inattentive symptoms and five or more persistent symptoms that hinder with, or reduce the quality of one's school, social or work functioning. The symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months and be unsuitable for the patient's development level.
In addition to behavioral therapy The most effective treatment for ADHD is medication. There are a variety of medications available, and it's important to select the one that is right for you. It's a good idea start with one drug and closely examine its effectiveness, since symptoms can get worse over time. It is also essential to check in with your doctor at least annually. It is often necessary to adjust the dose of your medication to keep it working optimally.
4. Impulsivity
A key symptom of ADHD is an impulsive nature, which means that people suffering from the condition tend to act without thinking before. They might utter a few answers before the question has been asked, interrupt others or engage in reckless behaviors which can result in serious consequences. The behavior of impulsiveness can affect interpersonal relationships and exacerbate the symptoms of other psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety disorders and mood swings. Research suggests that impulsive behaviors in people suffering from ADHD result from a decrease in activity in the prefrontal cortex, which plays a significant function in the process of making decisions and control of impulses. It can also be related to atypical dopamine regulation, which affects reward processing as well as impulse control.
Impulsivity can lead to financial problems as the rush of dopamine that comes from purchasing something new outweighing the cost, practicality or rationality of the purchase. This can affect self-care as well by causing impulsive choices that lead to unhealthy eating habits or poor lifestyle choices. It can be difficult to break the pattern, however there are ways to lessen the impulsivity. Make a list of situations where you are prone to acting impulsively. When adult adhd symptoms are tempted to act or say something uncontrollably, place your finger on your mouth for a few seconds and pretend to lock yourself in. This will allow you to think about whether it is a good choice.
Breathing techniques can help you to feel more grounded and focused. A few studies have demonstrated that it can help regulate the autonomic nerve system and decrease negative emotions that trigger impulse-driven behaviors. Making lists and focusing on mindfulness can be beneficial. You can reduce impulsive behavior by anticipating situations and times where you are most likely to be impulsive. For instance you could take fidget toys with you to meetings or put reminders in your wallet that you should count to 10 before you respond.
5. Fidgeting
Fidgeting is a repetitive movement that can calm the nervous system and help improve focus. It is frequently associated with ADHD symptoms such as hyperactivity and inattention. Fidgeting is an usual way for people with ADD to stay focused on a lecture or task. However it can hinder social interaction and lead to other health issues.
While many people see fidgeting as a negative symptom that must be stopped, experts have discovered that it can be harnessed to aid in focusing. This type of fidgeting is called intrinsic fidgeting, and it consists of movements made with your own body instead of an object. Examples include tapping a pen or clicking your feet.
In a study of schoolchildren who used to fumble in class noticed improved concentration and attention spans after they began using stress balls during lessons and self-work sessions. The study found that manipulating the balls helped them focus and also allowed interaction with their teachers and classmates.
Parents must be aware that fidgeting is an everyday part of the human experience, and should not be viewed as a sign of mental illness. However, if your child's fidgeting is disruptive to their classroom or at home, it is recommended that you work with their physician to determine if they suffer from an underlying condition that could be treated, like restless leg syndrome (RLS).
There are many ways to increase your concentration and decrease ADHD symptoms as well as taking medications. For instance, you could utilize a timer to break down long tasks into smaller manageable chunks or set aside a specific room for working when you are distracted by other things around you. You can also use mindfulness techniques to relax your mind and improve your concentration, as well as try to discover a new pastime which will keep your hands busy. For instance, knitting is an excellent way to increase your concentration, while also feeling the satisfaction that comes from making the perfect hat or blanket.